There is no estimated time when the Comet chairlift at Heavenly Mountain Resort will be back in operation.

It has been out of service since New Year’s Day morning. Everyone on the lift had to evacuated.

“The Comet chairlift is not operating due to a mechanical issue and an inspection is currently under way.  The inspection is focusing on the gear box, but Heavenly Mountain Resort will complete a thorough review of all components to ensure safe operation of the lift,” Jonathan Cook-Fisher with the U.S. Forest Service told Lake Tahoe News.

The ski resort operates mostly on USFS land, which is why the feds are involved. Cook-Fisher is the agency’s permit administrator for the resort.

The Comet chair is on the Nevada side. It is one of the resort’s older chairlifts.

Coop Cooper with Heavenly chose not to comment for this story.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report